Canada's Fish and Seafood Supply Update
Canadian fish and seafood exports to the European Union decreased slightly from $396 million in 2011 to $345 million in 2012. The five most valuable exports to this market continue to be coldwater shrimps and prawns ($138 million), frozen lobster ($41.4 million), live lobster ($39.6 million), frozen, dried or salted scallops ($34 million), and salmon in airtight containers ($18.7 million). These products account for over 50 percent of all fish and seafood exports to the European Union in terms of value.
Sustainable Fish and Seafood from Canada
Wild Capture Products
In August 2012, the Îles de la Madeleine's inshore lobster fishery in Québec became the first Canadian fishery of its kind to enter assessment for Marine Stewardship Council certification.
In the summer of 2012, both the Canadian North West Atlantic longline swordfish and the Artic Surf clam fisheries achieved full Marine Stewardship Council certification.
Sustainability Reporting for Canadian Aquaculture
Aquaculture is a growing industry in Canada and around the world. Its future depends on effective regulation and management of key issues, including communication of information. Aquaculture in Canada 2012: A Report on Aquaculture Sustainability is the product of the Aquaculture Sustainability Reporting Initiative (ASRI), a process of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, for describing environmental, social and economic conditions and trends in the Canadian aquaculture sector. This report sets the foundation for future reporting to illustrate responsibility and performance of the sector in Canada in order to inform the Canadian public, managers and regulators, and the market about the state and sustainability of this industry.
Sustainability reporting --- the practice of measuring, disclosing, and being accountable to internal and external stakeholders for organizational performance toward the goal of sustainable development --- becoming increasingly important, we anticipate that these reports will help build public confidence and enhance the social licence for aquaculture in Canada, as well as contribute to improving access to markets for Canadian aquaculture products.
